Legislation To Repeal Gay Military Ban Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

On March 2, Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) announced a bill that seeks to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly.

The Military Enhancement Readiness Act (MREA) repeals the current ban on military service by openly lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans, commonly referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” It would replace the current law with new provisions prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Armed Forces. Last year, the MREA had 149 bipartisan cosponsors.

“This law has failed our country and our military for 15 years,” said Rep. Tauscher. “It harms military readiness and discriminates against patriotic young men and women who want to serve their country. It’s time for Congress to right this wrong.”